The Associated Press reports that health experts participating at this week's International Harm Reduction Association conference in Liverpool are looking to Iran's methadone clinics and needle exchange programs as a possible model for other countries looking to stop HIV/AIDS transmission. "For years, Iran had a hard-line drug policy, and it still executes people for certain drug trafficking crimes. ... Experts say attitudes began to shift about a decade ago when doctors and academics managed to convince religious and governmental authorities that unless they helped drug users kick the habit, Iran would face a much bigger AIDS epidemic." The AP explores how that shift led to more methadone clinics and needle exchange programs and an eventual change in drug treatment programs (Cheng, 4/27).

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